By Abubakar Yunusa.
Abdullahi Yahaya, popularly known as Young Tizze, is a fast rising talented Nigerian song writer and singer who hail from Kogi State, North Central Nigeria, while he grew up in Kaduna State.
A 19 years Young Tizee stepped into the music industry as a teenage member of one hip-pop group MMG but he is now single. He attended CAIS secondary school in Kogi State, currently a student in Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, Zaria, Kaduna State.
In this interview with Abubakar Yunusa, he shared his motivation and the journey so far.
How has been the journey so far?
The journey has been absolutely good. The work is a nonstop venture, and I have come to realise that success means more work. Even though it has not been easy keeping up the pace, we can’t complain. God has been kind to me and I won’t stop making people happy through the only means I know – music.
At your age and looking at where you come from, you seem to be hitting the wave, what could still be motivating you?
I always smile when people ask me this question. What motivate me? Waking up every day and seeing the break of a new day is a big motivation for me. I am constantly motivated by the many things that I want to achieve that seem to be far-fetched. It is one thing to be on top of your game, it is another thing to remain relevant. I just want to keep motivating my fans. I want to keep them entertained. They are the reason I am here today. So, not letting them down is enough motivation for me. At this point of my career, I am doing everything possible to keep the heat on.
Some people say your latest track don’t have value, how does that make you feel?
Thank God you said some people and not everybody. For me, music has many languages and connotes different meaning. You can’t satisfy everybody. Any attempt to do that is a recipe for monumental failure. As long as some people feel comfortable with my songs, and I feel contented with the responses that I am getting, whether positive or negative it help to strengthen my aspiration. People will always talk, and I appreciate the distinct comments. Mostly, the negative commentaries received always draw me to some flaws which might appear vague but crucial to be corrected. This ultimately help me to seat up. I love my fans and they love me.
You dropped your first Album ‘Money Matter’ last month. How is the feedback so far?
To me, I think the ‘Money Matter’ is a success, on different music blog I have more than thousands download and live streaming, and it is just a month of the release. There are many other blog I can’t see the statistics but many friends do call to tell me that they are seeing my songs on different sites. Thinking about this, I can say it is a huge blessing from Above.
Are you under any record label?
Yes, I have a management pushing me. I got signed like three months ago. Before then, I have been doing everything myself and the challenge is the financial aspect. Sometimes, there are some places you have to be even if it is not convenient, you have to be there. It is just timing, life is timing majorly, you have to hit to make it.
How are you coping with the pressure arising from your immediate job?
I don’t see it as pressure. It is one of the things man must do in life. We all crave for good things, having a work is good because without it you cannot excel in Nigeria music industry, this is because you need money to see yourself at the top. Many Nigerian musician today fall out of the industry because there is no money to support and sustained the career, so I don’t see it as pressure since something is coming out from there. At my age, I have a lot of things which measure up as my responsibility, ranging from the family needs to personal development, because I come from humble background. Therefore, been successful is beautiful but being a responsible and successful person is superb. It takes one to remain focus to be seen in a bigger picture. As long as one can manage his success, nothing is strong enough to distract or derail you. I have been focusing on the right things.
How do you keep yourself checked?
I am a very positive person. I am sure you know. You knew the story from the beginning. So, it should not be strange to you. If I don’t connect with something, I don’t do it. If my spirit connects with something, then I know it is the right thing and I will give it my best to see it come to reality. I always check myself to ensure my attitude does not against the values of the society and my family. Friends and family view are always considered sacred by me. From their respective views, I easily come to resolve if the path I am toeing is good or need a rethink.
What do you define as success?
Success for me is not the amount of money you have. It is not the amount of property you have acquired. Success is about the number of lives you are able to touch while you’re succeeding in your career. Success is making sure that every African child out there has an opportunity to actually get ahead in life. Success, for me, is touching people’s lives.
What’s going on with your MMG Gang?
I started my brand, MMG Gang, because I wanted it to represent what I believe that is ‘Money Matter’. I have come along way, and I know how money have denied me from achieving many of my desires within the desired time and scope. What am saying is that, it is a must to make money using the legitimate force. This to say, i will try everything humanly possible to make money through legal means. I believe in hustling, and hustler is my second name. You cannot expect your uncle to foot your bills because we all have distinct challenges to face.
Some people say you are living an extravagant life, what do you have to say?
We are in a digital age where people prematurely judge one’s lifestyle from the comfort of their home. One thing I must say is that any judgment arising from rear view of my personality from the social media shows how bias and ignorant some people appear to be. I do hear from friends and relatives that I live expensive life. Wait! Where is this money? Everything you see on my social media handle is for fun and nothing much. I have been hearing that but I decided not give them the attention they are seeking, I have other relevant themes to attend to. When people are thinking on how their businesses and careers can grow, you are there monitoring and slandering another people’s lifestyle. I pray God should give them inexhaustible data to be checking on me via my social media handles. I have been able to become smarter with my little earning. I learnt to sort out the irrelevancies from the relevant things.
Where do you see yourself in the next four years?
I think I see a better Young Tizee in the next four years.
